Petralgas Chemical Methanol Facility - EPC

Fluor performed engineering, procurement and construction management support for Petralgas's grass roots, 1,200-metric T/D methanol plant in Waitara, New Zealand.

We also participated in front-end optimization studies, developed computer simulations and were responsible for all equipment data sheets for all onsite systems, as well as many offsite systems.

Fluor executed the project for Petralgas subsequent to our work on a similar methanol plant for Alberta Gas Chemicals in Canada.

Because of our experience on the project in Canada, we were able to use dual process teams to prepare mechanical flow diagrams and equipment datasheets. By using this approach, we were able to reduce the time span for these activities by about 40%.

We also demonstrated our ability to work within the prescribed financing agreements. To take full advantage of available financing while maximizing New Zealand industrial benefits, we split purchase orders for some components. The reformer order, for example, was divided among vendors in New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Great Britain.

New Zealand's complex seismic design codes also posed an additional challenge. To reduce engineering costs, we worked with a New Zealand consulting firm to jointly develop the seismic design codes and to review and approve the structural drawings on behalf of the New Zealand authorities.